Malaysian arrested for kidnapping Chinese tourist

The suspect was charged with kidnapping, serious illegal detention, robbery and physical injury following his arrest on Sunday, police said on Monday as cited by the Daily Tribune.

The Chinese tourist arrived in the Philippines and stayed at Okada Hotel and Casino in Pasay City.

While she was playing in the casino, the suspect persuaded her to transfer to another gaming facility.

The man instead took her to another hotel where she was physically assaulted and held against her will, police said.

He reportedly demanded P1.64 million (US$30,000) and seized her possessions, including an iPhone 14 and a wristwatch with an estimated value of P800,000, Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

The tourist managed to escape and alert patrolling police officers, prompting them to quickly save the woman.